An Orange County, Texas man has been charged with federal offenses in the Eastern District of Texas. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Owen Lee Giles, aged 36, is named in a three-count indictment issued by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas. He faces charges for carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
According to the indictment, on June 20, 2025, Giles, who is a convicted felon, allegedly took another individual's vehicle while threatening them with serious bodily harm using a firearm.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America. This initiative aims to use the Department of Justice's resources to combat illegal immigration and eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations. It also seeks to protect communities from violent crime perpetrators. Operation Take Back America consolidates efforts from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If found guilty, Giles could face up to 15 years in federal prison.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.
It is important to note that an indictment does not equate to guilt; all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
